My daughter grew up in the CRC, but now is questioning the difference between infant baptism and believers baptism. She doesn’t understand how it could be similar to circumcising or that there are biblical examples of infants being baptized. I am wondering in the CRC has a resource that can help explain how infant baptism differs from dedication and it’s biblical and theological roots?
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Hi Kathy,
The Christian Reformed perspective is the same as the traditional Reformed and Presbyterian idea of Covenantal Baptism. Scripturally, there are more than a few examples of whole households being baptized, and there are enough extra-Biblical records of household baptisms in church history. Additionally the Biblical connection between circumcision and baptism is pretty stark in Colossians 2:11-12.
An obvious true statement with which most Christians agree is, "kids of believing parents are Christian--not little wandering pagans", and additionally, "we baptize Christians".
And Fundamentally, and perhaps crucially, we are not "paedobaptists" we believe in Covenant Baptism. As many Reformed and Presbyterian pastors and theologians have noted, It's not that we deny there is a moment at which a person must claim his or her faith publicly and profess Jesus Christ as Savior, the question really is the timing in that regard.
So, to simplify: 1) Baptism is firstly God's action not ours, and therefore it's not firstly about my public profession. 2) Kids of believing parents are set apart--holy--and therefore should receive the sign of the covenant, (baptism). 3) The Christian Reformed Church practices Covenant Baptism, we don't deny there's a personal conviction and public profession, but we don't require it before receiving the sign of God's grace.
Finally, here are some resources that are helpful. They are not CRC per se, but are at least CRC-adjacent, and have been useful for me when trying to explain to a member of my church how a person joyfully affirms Covenant Baptism as a beautiful expression of the gospel and of God's precious promises which are "yes", and "amen" in Christ!
Article written by Dr. Dennis Johnson (Orthodox Presbyterian) regarding Covenant Baptism:
https://reformedperspectives.org/files/reformedperspectives/theology/TH.Johnson.Baptism.html
Book written by Rev. Jason Helopoulous of University Reformed Church (Lansing, MI):
https://www.prpbooks.com/book/covenantal-baptism?srsltid=AfmBOorj5sFemVuWHVzPI16E4khH0WgzCylmFA_HoTEk5Aj9RwmRAe_P
I pray you will find these resources helpful and your daughter can be strengthened in the truth of Covenant Baptism as not only something to be sanctioned but promoted as a beautiful picture of God's grace!
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Tim McHugh, Hope Church of Lincoln Park, (N.J.)
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